Really Need Some Advice - Port Washington,WI

Updated on March 24, 2008
L.R. asks from Appleton, WI
4 answers

Okay, there's a lot to this story, but here's the quick version. I stay home with our two babies and I own a small business out of the house. After some companies have sampled my products, they want to carry my food products. The big business can't really sell my stuff to the public until I have a certified kitchen, though. Here's the thing, my once supportive hubby is now not supporting me in this venture and wants me to wait two or three years until the kids are in school. Frankly, I'm losing my mind sitting on the floor and counting to 10 in three languages with the kids (I hope you know what I mean). I want to pursue this more then anything... it's been my dream for years to open a "restaurant"/store and now it could happen with all these people interested. There's so much more to this story. I'm just wondering if some fellow women can give me some advice. Do I still go for it and hope for 100% funding or do I just give up? There's a HUGE market for my products right now and there are three set companies that would be consistent money each month (enough to at least pay the loan and possibly part of the rent) not to mention the foot traffic and coffee/tea sales from those who just drop in. I feel like I'm in a tug of war... do I go for it and potentially make a lot of money? Or do I wait three years, and lose my main market? Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

So far I've gotten some great responses! I've decided to go for it! Hubby has jumped back on board when he realized one of businesses basically pays for it's lease. I'm still looking at places but can't find anything else that would work for my situation except one location near my home. Any other ideas are still welcomed and I'll try to keep people posted if/when I get approved. Thanks again ladies!!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hi L.,

You have to do what your gut tells you to do.

Be sure to do your research, and make sure you put all your ducks in a row.

Is there anyway you can work it out of your home until you are bursting at the seams? Put an addition on to your home and get it certified? Just an idea. what does yoru family think about this? Mom? sister? brother? friends?

Men are always looking to fix things. If something happens to your dream, I think your hubby might think it's too big for him to fix.

I did start my own business and my sister told me to start small. I didn't, 8 years ago I went big and 911 came right after we opened and I just couldn't make ends meet and had to close the store 3 years later. I lost $125,000. and am still paying that loan today.

My advice is be careful and make sure you start small and then advance as you grow. I wish I would've listened to my sister's advice. I even wish my loan didn't go through sometimes. But it was an experience of a lifetime. It was a growing lesson. The people that said that they'd shop there didn't. Just don't burn any bridges with your hubby. Try and find some kind of compromise.

I almost lost my marriage over all this. I was never home. I was putting in 70 hours a week.

But that was just my experience. Everyone's circumstances are different.

I wish you much success in whatever you choose,

J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hi L., that's a tough one! I guess I'd say you should talk to your husband a bit more before making your decision. There must be a reason he was so on board and then jumped ship. You need to get to the root of that and see.

Perhaps he's just all of a sudden nervous that you'll be gone more and he's afraid of the solo kid responsibilities or that he'll simply just miss you if you're gone more (I tried to get a weekend job to get out of the house and it only lasted two weekends...my husband was just too lonely. Strange, I know, but I think men are needy).

I don't know that that there is an easy answer to this. I'd hate to see you not follow your dream, but I'd hate to see you do it without your husband's support too which would be difficult because it would impact many other areas of your life. I wish you the best and I'm going to have to look into trying your sweets and treats...I'm in Cedarburg and they sound yummy!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Sheboygan on

L....I might know of a little restaurant near you that might be closing...the kitchen space might be available to rent. Respond back to me!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.K.

answers from Milwaukee on

I say "Go for it!". Life is too short for regrets. If this is your dream, then you need to do this. Even if you fail, you won't have the awful regrets that go along with passing up an opportunity. I've got too many regrets of not doing or trying things I wish I had. Go fo it L.!!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions